ABSTRACT:
Several pharmaceutical
compounds have been detected in natural aqueous systems and ibuprofen (IBF), one
of the most consumed medicament, has been detected in many countries. The
degradation efficiency of IBF under TiO2/UV radiation was evaluated.
Optimum degradation results were observed using 20 mg·L-1 of TiO2,
pH 7.8 and 5 mg·L-1 of IBF. Under these experimental conditions
total IBF removal was achieved in less than 60 min of irradiation. Although
total IBF concentration was observed, the total mineralization of the compound
was not achieved. The by-products generated during TiO2/UV reaction
showed to be more toxic against Daphnia
similis than the initial IBF present in aqueous solution.